Youth Protection Training

Nothing is more important to the BSA than the safety of our youth members. The BSA is committed to providing a safe and secure environment for our youth members. Youth protection requires sustained vigilance, and we work every day to protect children through mandatory policies and procedures at every level of our organization. We are also committed to continuous improvement in our approach to youth protection.

Youth Protection Training (YPT) is required for all BSA registered volunteers, regardless of their position.

New leaders are required to take Youth Protection Training before submitting an adult application for registration. The certificate of completion for this training must be submitted/attached at the time the application is made and before volunteer service with youth begins.

Units cannot re-charter unless all unit leaders have completed YPT within two years.

Adult Youth Protection Training is required for adult program participants 18 years or older. Adult program participants (Venturing, Order of the Arrow, Exploring) must complete adult Youth Protection Training before submitting their adult application.

Youth Protection Training is mandatory for any volunteer who participates in an outing lasting longer than 72 hours. The 72 hours need not be consecutive.

You do not have to be a registered member of the Boy Scouts of America to take Youth Protection training.